The journey to Haroldhurst Farm, Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz’s sprawling 187-acre estate in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley, is a prelude to the serene beauty that awaits. The drive winds past a grand red barn and a tranquil pond, meticulously framed by weeping willows, before revealing the stately, Greek Revival-style house. This architectural gem, meticulously restored and reimagined, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, a testament to the owners’ vision and determination in the face of profound adversity. Malin and Goetz, the innovative minds behind the globally recognized modern apothecary brand Malin+Goetz, launched in 2004 from a minimalist Manhattan storefront, have seamlessly transitioned into the role of rural sophisticates, their lives now intertwined with the rhythms of the countryside. Their two working pugs, Piet and Harold, named in homage to the storied Sissinghurst garden of British writer Vita Sackville-West, are integral to the farm’s charm and character.
A Devastating Fire and a Vision for Renewal
The idyllic setting of Haroldhurst Farm belies a history marked by a catastrophic event that could have irrevocably altered its fate. In late October 2022, just three weeks before their scheduled move-in, a devastating fire swept through the meticulously restored 200-year-old Greek Revival house. The inferno, which consumed the structure down to its original stacked-stone foundation, was a brutal blow to Malin and Goetz, who had invested over a year and a half in its comprehensive restoration, overseen by the architectural expertise of Jim Joseph of Hottenroth + Joseph Architects. The flames spared only a few salvaged elements: the banister and newel post, which were undergoing repairs at a millworker’s shop, and new windows that were conveniently delayed on a truck.
The immediate aftermath of the fire was a period of profound uncertainty. Unmoored by the destruction, the couple contemplated radical departures from their original plans. They considered opting for a modernist-style home or even selling the land altogether. However, the daunting prospect of a multi-year setback for any new construction ultimately steered them back towards their original vision. "It would have never entered our minds to build some pastiche home," Goetz stated, emphasizing their commitment to authenticity and historical integrity. The availability of their existing architectural plans provided a crucial roadmap for reconstruction, making the daunting task of rebuilding a feasible, albeit emotionally challenging, endeavor.
The Rebirth of Haroldhurst Farm
By Thanksgiving 2024, Haroldhurst Farm stood reborn, a near-perfect replica of its former Greek Revival glory, strategically resited to a prime location overlooking the serene pond. The commitment to historical accuracy was paramount, evident in the use of reclaimed 19th-century pine boards, sourced from Pennsylvania by LV Wood, which imbue the floors with the authentic character of old-growth timber. The Federal-style mantelpiece, discovered caked in two centuries of paint, was meticulously stripped to reveal its intricate fretwork. In a move that celebrated its aged beauty, Malin and Goetz opted to preserve its raw, unvarnished state.
The interior walls have been coated in a luminous plaster tinted with Benjamin Moore’s "White Dove," a subtle hue that captures and diffuses the natural daylight filtering through the expansive windows, creating an inviting, lived-in ambiance. An exception to this serene palette is the ground-floor library, clad in Phillip Jeffries grasscloth, which serves as a sophisticated backdrop for a striking blue Milo Baughman sectional and a vintage poster of the Lone Ranger, adding a touch of playful Americana to the refined space.
A Harmonious Blend of Old and New
The design philosophy at Haroldhurst Farm is characterized by a thoughtful juxtaposition of antique charm and contemporary comfort. Interior designer John Hulka, who had been engaged to curate the home’s interiors, described the aesthetic as possessing a "comfortable, intellectual" quality. This is evident throughout the residence. An antique Dutch chandelier casts a warm glow over a black Tulip dining table by Eero Saarinen, a midcentury icon. In the living room, Arne Jacobsen’s iconic Egg chair, a masterpiece of Danish design, complements a plush, deep-green sofa by George Smith. This sofa, a holdover from Hulka’s initial design concept, now harmoniously converses with the verdant willows visible through the windows, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
Local artistry is celebrated with an Ellsworth Kelly print, the artist having resided in nearby Spencertown, and a large-scale photograph of Georgia Ranney, co-owner of Kinderhook Farm. These pieces are interspersed with charming junk-store floral paintings and whimsical ceramic piggy banks, reflecting Malin’s penchant for "tchotchkes and kitsch." This playful yet curated approach extends to Goetz’s office, where a delightful collection of pug portraits, including one by the acclaimed New York artist Maira Kalman, adds a personal and endearing touch.
A Culinary Oasis: The Kitchen Garden and Orchard
The owners’ green thumbs are not confined to the interior design; they extend vibrantly into the sprawling ornamental kitchen garden. This meticulously cultivated space bursts with the bounty of the seasons, featuring fennel, tomatoes, and chard as part of its summer harvest. A diverse array of fruit trees—including apple, peach, persimmon, and quince—promises a cornucopia of flavors. In late spring, the garden is adorned with a glorious two-week display of peonies, followed by dahlias in late summer, offering dinner-plate-size blooms. Malin eloquently captures the ephemeral nature of these floral displays, noting, "It’ll be like, ‘Could this last forever?’ And then you get a frost." Goetz muses on the cyclical nature of gardening, likening it to a "biblical" experience, complete with "famine, feast, locusts, floods, fires—and that’s nature."
The garden’s productive capacity is substantial. The couple spends approximately 20 hours per week tending to the 1.1-acre plot, with the assistance of a few local gardeners. Their commitment to homegrown produce is extensive, with Goetz stating that they produce "almost everything" they consume. This dedication extends to their orchard, which boasts a variety of fruit trees, including apples, peaches, persimmons, pears, plums, apricots, cherries, and quince.
Enduring Connections and the Spirit of Innovation
The couple’s professional backgrounds have significantly shaped their approach to both their business and their home. Malin’s experience at Kiehl’s and Prada provided invaluable insights into the apothecary world, influencing the direction of Malin+Goetz. Concurrently, Goetz’s marketing expertise gained at Vitra infused their brand with a distinct design sensibility. This synergistic blend of skills is subtly echoed in their home’s décor.
In the kitchen, an 18th-century French farm table is crowned by a constellation-style David Weeks light fixture, reminiscent of the design found in Malin+Goetz’s first Los Angeles store. Weeks’s wife, Georgie Stout, is credited with creating the brand’s signature graphics. Ascending the stairs, a J. Wade Beam for Brueton asymmetrical console, a piece the couple first selected for their Hong Kong store some 15 years ago, stands as a testament to their enduring appreciation for design. Adorning the console are miniature sculptures from Constantin and Laurene Leon Boym’s poignant Buildings of Disaster series, a subtle yet powerful reminder of the fire and the resilience that followed. This series offers a poignant reflection on rebuilding and reimagining in the wake of destruction.
Embracing the Rural Landscape and Sustainable Practices
The estate’s exterior is as thoughtfully curated as its interior. A large red barn stands as a picturesque anchor, while a pair of weeping willows gracefully frame the pond, creating a scene of pastoral tranquility. The couple has prioritized preserving the natural beauty of their surroundings. Local farmers regularly hay the surrounding fields, maintaining the traditional agricultural character of the valley.
A potting shed, an unexpected yet welcome addition, serves as a practical space for storing garden tools and supplies. It also cleverly conceals the parked cars, ensuring that the view from the house remains uninterrupted by vehicles, offering an unobstructed vista of their land. "When you look out from the house, you just see our land," Malin remarks, highlighting their commitment to a harmonious integration with the landscape.
The garden itself is a labor of love, continually evolving as the couple expands their knowledge of companion planting. After a fungal issue affected their peach trees, a gardener’s suggestion to plant alliums alongside them proved effective. Similarly, voles’ previous decimation of their strawberry crop prompted the layering of narcissus, a natural deterrent that has successfully protected this year’s harvest.
A Legacy of Resilience and Refined Living
Haroldhurst Farm is more than just a beautiful country estate; it is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity. The fire, while devastating, did not extinguish the couple’s vision. Instead, it catalyzed a process of rebuilding and refinement, resulting in a home that honors its historical roots while embracing modern living. Malin and Goetz have cultivated not only a productive farm and a stunning residence but also a lifestyle that balances their entrepreneurial spirit with a deep appreciation for nature, design, and the enduring power of resilience. Their journey from a bustling Manhattan storefront to the serene landscapes of the Hudson Valley is a compelling story of transformation, proving that even in the face of profound loss, a new beginning, rich with beauty and purpose, can emerge.
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